Contradiction with Judges 21:25
In Judges, it is mentioned that everyone did what was right in their own eyes, showing a state where no king was desired, contrasting with the desire for a king in 1 Samuel 8:19.
Judges 21:25: In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:12
Samuel criticizes the people's demand for a king despite God being their king, contradicting the people's insistence in 1 Samuel 8:19.
1 Samuel 12:12: And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God [was] your king.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:10
God questions the need for a king, which contradicts the people's demand in 1 Samuel 8:19.
Hosea 13:10: I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? [I will...: rather, Where is thy king?]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:14-15
Although this passage allows for the election of a king, it stresses God's choice, contrasting with the people's demand for a monarchy against God's counsel in 1 Samuel 8:19.
Deuteronomy 17:14-15: When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 10:19
God accuses the Israelites of rejecting Him as their king, contradicting their desire to have a human king in 1 Samuel 8:19.
1 Samuel 10:19: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Contradiction with Judges 8:23
Gideon refuses kingship, insisting that God will rule over Israel, contrasting with the people's request for a king in 1 Samuel 8:19.
Judges 8:23: And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 8:19 is sometimes seen as a contradiction because the people of Israel demand a king to rule over them, even though God was supposed to be their ultimate ruler. This desire for a human king can be seen as a rejection of God's leadership and a lack of faith in God's guidance, which contradicts the message that God is the true king and leader of the people.
Paradox #2
In 1 Samuel 8:19, the Israelites insist on having a king despite warnings against it. The contradiction here might be the conflict between human desire for earthly leadership and God's plan for divine guidance. By choosing a king, the people prioritize human authority over God's rule, which could be seen as inconsistent with faith in divine wisdom.